Fans of the Roberson Museum and Science Center’s planetarium will have to wait to visit, as the attraction is closed for the season, but the end result will be worth the wait.
The region’s only full-dome planetarium will be closed due to a major renovation project that will see the space transformed and modernized. On Aug. 3, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo presented Roberson Museum’s Edwin A. Link Planetarium with a $250,000 state grant which will help the museum fund the project.
The grant comes as part of a $12 million capital campaign which will seek to make the museum a “vibrant, accessible and inspiring” community anchor for the Binghamton area. According to Lupardo, the museum has already raised $11.5 million through the campaign, including the most recent state grant.
Roberson planetarium to undergo major renovation project
As part of the project, the museum will add modern seating and new carpets, while upgrading heating and cooling systems to ensure the space is comfortable regardless of outdoor temperatures. The planetarium’s projector stabilization system will also be improved, with new acoustic wall coverings creating the most immersive experience possible.
Though the planetarium will be closed for the rest of the summer, and much of the fall, it is expected to reopen in November for the museum’s Home for the Holidays event.
According to Lupardo, improvements to the planetarium will have a lasting impact on the Binghamton area.
“The Link Planetarium has introduced countless children and families to the wonders of the universe, and gives people a clear view of the sky they cannot ordinarily see,” said Lupardo. “Planetariums also inspire curiosity sparking a lifelong love for science and exploration. These much needed improvements complement the other work being done at Roberson, all designed to create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.”
For the museum’s education director, Amy Marcho, the project represents the ability to ignite a passion for science in learners both young and old.
“By expanding educational opportunities, we will be able to offer more engaging, interactive learning experiences that inspire curiosity and bring science to life for learners of all ages,” said Marcho. “An updated planetarium will support school programs, public presentations, and lifelong learning, giving our community greater access to cutting-edge astronomy, space science, and STEM education. This transformation will ensure that future generations have a place to explore, discover and be inspired by the wonders of our universe.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton planetarium closing for upgrades. Here’s when it reopens
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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By Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
